Chooks-to-Go set to host Manila Challenger

BAVI head honcho and Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 owner Ronald Mascarinas with the core of the national 3x3 pool:
Dylan Ababou (Pasig), Alvin Pasaol and Karl Dehesa (Balanga), and Troy Rike (Basilan)

With the deadline locking in the FIBA 3x3 World Rankings creeping ever closer, Chooks-to-Go is set to host the first-ever Challenger tournament this coming September 7-8.

A level nine tournament on the FIBA 3x3 hiearchy, the Chooks-to-Go Manila Challenger kicks off FIBA 3x3 World Tour action in the month of September and will take place at the SM Fairview Events Center. Do well here and a spot at the Jeddah Masters scheduled this coming October is at stake.

In addition, Bounty Agro Ventures Incorporated turns 22 that month, and BAVI is using the Chooks-to-Go Challenger as their way of giving back to the Filipino people.

BAVI General Manager and Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 owner Ronald Mascariñas shares, "We are celebrating our 22nd anniversary and what better way for our company to give back than by making one last push for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics."

He adds, "We want to bring a quality tournament to the Filipino people."

Mascariñas also appreciates the assistance from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, and notes, "To put it quite simply, it's very crucial for us to host a level-nine tournament especially in this stage in the race for the FIBA 3X3 OQT. Last April, we hosted the world's first-ever Super Quest which is a level eight tournament. I would like to thank FIBA for granting us this new opportunity. Even if they already have 27 Challengers in their calendar and still they allowed us to host this one. Also, the SBP has been a huge help in this endeavor."

In order to make the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the country needs to make it to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which comprises of teams ranked in the top 24 by the end of October 31, 2019. As of August 16, the Philippines is currently 27th overall in the men's rankings with 6,748,080 points.

Five teams have already been ticketed to participate in the Chooks-to-Go Manila Challenger thanks to their FIBA 3x3 club rankings:

Riga Ghetto (Latvia)
Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Gagarin (Russia)
Kranj (Slovenia)
Humpolec Bernard (Czech Republic)

A sixth team, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, is also set to participate, leaving three more mystery teams as three local sides are set to provide Filipino pride in this tournament.

Already assured of a berth in Jeddah after clinching the Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 Patriot's Cup presented by Coca-Cola, Basilan as Isabela City is joined by President's Cup champions Pasig and two-time runners-up Balanga.

Karl Dehesa says, "For me, this tournament has been a long time coming for our country. The fans will definitely give us a huge boost." The Balanga shooter was part of the 2015 Manila Masters with Manila North.

Dylan Ababou adds, "For the past year, we've been traveling a lot. Though it's not an excuse, having to travel is very tiring in itself. This time around, we could play our game."